A WINDERMERE man died in a Portugal hospital after choking on some meat, an inquest opening has heard.

Paul Andrew Smith, aged 67, tragically passed away at a Faro hospital in the Algarve on September 28, Cockermouth Coroners’ Court was told.

Robert Cohen, an assistant Cumbria coroner, formally opened an inquest into Mr Smith’s death heard on Tuesday. 

“The reported circumstances of Mr Smith’s death are that he suffered from a chronic illness and, as a result of that, choked on some meat whilst in Portugal,” said Mr Cohen.

“He was banged on the back and attempts were made to help him and stop him choking. Tragically they were unsuccessful.”

Evidence of identification, accepted by the court, had been provided by a funeral director.

Mr Cohen adjourned the hearing to a preliminary full inquest date of April 9 next year.